Increased fuel costs concern for city

Increased fuel costs are becoming a concern for the City of Orofino, according to discussion Monday evening at council meeting.

City Administrator Rick Laam said the major increase in fuel costs had not been factored into the budget for the fiscal year. If the prices do not come down, other line items may have to be adjusted to make up for it. Fuel costs are not the only things being impacted either, it is also causing the cost of many other items such as supplies to increase.

Building Inspector John Elliott said that there is now a surcharge of $25 per load of concrete being delivered to building sites. Construction activity in Orofino was down in August, but he expects it to increase for September. He said the increased costs do not seem to have stopped construction activity, at least to this point.

Police Chief Ron Pomerinke said that his department has been extra busy the last couple of weeks. In relation to fuel costs he expects are things get tighter that there will be more crimes such as drive offs.

Three Resolutions were approved without opposition. The first two, #356 and 357 relate to arrangements for the upcoming election Nov. 8. Three council positions are open and candidates must file by Friday at 5 p.m. The third #358 relates to accepting a grant from State Aeronautics for airport improvements.

Laam reported on an Association of Idaho Cities Legislative Session he attended recently. He said that there are several issues slated to come up in the Legislative Session that are important to cities and Orofino will be participating. The include:

• Property taxes
• A federal communications bill that would open the way for cable companies to enter cities and use the right-of-way without approval from the city or payment of franchise fees
• City water rights in connection with the Snake River Basin Adjudication and the loss of funds from liquor sales that was diverted to purchasing water rights for southeastern Idaho
• The area of city impact

A Request for Proposals has gone out for consultants to study the feasibility of a large houseboat marina on Dworshak Reservoir. The proposals will be opened Oct. 7. The study is being funded by a grant. The city is administering the grant.

Pippenger and Laam are doing presentations for organizations such as Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club to update their members about what is happening in the city. Amy Walker, a member of the Mayor's Youth Action Committee, talked about what the youth are doing.

Pippenger said at the last MYAC meeting, that the high school students seemed in favor of those who want a skateboard earning it. More applications have been received from youths that want to be involved in the organization.

Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino sent a letter expressing appreciation to the city for Officer Eric Dodge and his assistance with the drug dog. Pomerinke said Dodge has also been able to help Idaho State Police on the U.S. Highway 12 corridor when a drug dog was needed.